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DEXA Body Fat Analysis |
The FIT Scan |
(760) 635-3777 |
Why Measure? |
Measuring body fat and muscle mass before, during, and after nutrition and physical training programs allows for a benchmark in which to see a starting point, progress, provide guidance, and attain more effective results. |
Why DEXA? |
DEXA scanning provides extremely accurate measuring of body fat along with bone and muscle mass. The exam is precise, non-invasive, accurate and reliable. It is considered to be the "gold standard" in the U.S. |
Why FIT Scan? |
The FIT Scan is a state-of-the-art facility featuring advanced DEXA Body Compsition Technology and Analysis. We are physicians, athletes, and nutrition experts interested in seeing our clients succeed in their goals. |
Reporting |
After scanning, The FIT Scan generates an image of the body (like the one seen to the right) along with a detailed report showing exactly where and how much fat, muscle, and bone is distributed throughout the body. |
The FIT Scan is a DEXA body fat scanning center specializing in helping athletes and people serious about their health and fitness by obtaining accurate body fat and muscle benchmarks in which to base their fitness and nutrition programs. |
Customer Testimonials |
The FIT Scan tech was nice and professional, making the 6 minute scan a breeze. Dan G. |
The FIT Scan is very detailed and provided a perfect start for my new fitness program. Leigh Z. |
I provided my scan to my fitness instructor and she tailored my workout. Melissa M. |
Why Measure Body Fat? |
Have you ever started a diet and or a training program only to find your weight actually does not change or even goes up? Or perhaps you've had a spa treatment or a hot jacuzzi and seen your weight drop? It is important to realize that although the Scale may be a good instrument to measure relative overall changes in your body weight when you are not making any major lifestyle changes, it should not be relied on as a source to direct your training and nutrition programs. The reason is that the scale, no matter how accurate in measuring actual weight, does not reveal what it is actually measuring. So, the scale weight shown is actually a combination of muscle, bone, and fat mass along with anything else that's in/on your body. The problem with relying on the Scale in directing your training / nutrition program is that it can give misleading results and, in turn, provide poor guidance. First, any given weight can mean different things for different people -- even people who are the same height! For example, one person weighing 150 lbs. and 5'10" tall might have a body fat percentage of 10%, or 15lbs. fat, and 135lbs. lean body mass (the mass of the body minus the fat) and another person the same weight and height might have a body fat percentage of 25%, or 37.5 lbs fat. Clearly, the Scale says these people (who are the same weight) are identical and they are not! The person with a 10% body fat percentage is an athlete and would need an entirely different diet and exercise program than the person at 25% body fat (notice we did not say than the heavier person!). In another example, after starting a low impact aerobics and light weight training program, a person might see their weight only drop a little and perhaps get discouraged and stop training. What might actually be occurring is that they are losing significant fat mass while also, at the same time, gaining muscle mass (and potentially bone mass). The effect is that the Scale only sees the NET result on weight and the person has no idea that they are actually losing much more fat than they are realizing by looking at the Scale. In this case, the individual would have been much better served by having a DEXA body fat scan done before starting their new program. A scan 3 or 6 months later would have revealed the significant changes in fat, muscle, and bone mass and provided increased motivation and direction for future training. We advise our clients that before starting any sort of training / nutrition program that they obtain a real "snapshot" of where they are in terms of body composition: fat, muscle, and bone mass. Additional "snapshots" can be captured during the program to help provide direction and, after a duration, for example 6 months, to gauge overall progress. |
Why Trust a Scale? |
Copyright © 2011 The FIT Scan |
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San Diego's Premier DEXA Body Fat Scanning Center |
Why Should I Measure My Body Fat Percentage? Getting an accurate measure of one's body fat percentage is one of the most important things to directing and measuring any exercise and/or nutrition program. Imagine going on a long journey without a Map or GPS and having to drive with your eyes closed! That's a good analogy for someone embarking on a nutrition/exercise program without knowing his or her true fat/muscle/bone percentages. And, to further the analogy, relying on a Scale as a guide on this journey would be like trusting a tourist to give you the directions (see Scale article to right)! The goal of most nutrition and exercise programs is to lose fat while at the same time gain muscle. Optimally, the two programs work together to maximize this goal. In order to optimize the program though, it is vital to see where you are in terms of body fat percentage and lean body mass (the mass of the body minus the fat). The results of the DEXA body fat analysis will accomplish this and help determine the proper nutrition and exercise program. The results can also determine if a person's weight loss goals are realistic. For example, if someone weighs 180 pounds and has a body fat percentage of only 10%, then their goals might be more oriented toward muscle development and endurance than weight loss. In another example, if someone has a high body fat percentage, then their goal might focus on losing fat (see recommended body fat percentage chart here). In summary, testing body fat helps a person develop appropriate and targeted nutrition and weight loss goals to maximize their health. Measuring body fat analysis by DEXA is the best way to accomplish this. The results can help you determine if your nutrition and exercise program is appropriate by seeing if you are losing body fat and gaining muscle mass in the best way possible. |
BMI vs. Body Fat % |
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is an appoximation of body fat based on height and weight. It is a poor way to measure body fat compared to an actual Body Fat measurement using the DEXA. The reason for this is that BMI assumes that everyone of a certain height should be within the same weight range. This can be extremely misleading as seen in the article on this page titled "Why Trust A Scale". The cases of two different people of the same height and weight but dramatically different body fat percentages vividly illustrate the failings of BMI (which sees these people as equals in terms of body fat). |
Healthy Body Fat % |
The amount of fat determined to be healthy varies based on Age and Gender according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health. The American Council on Exercise provides some other categories for comparison. Fat percentages vary depending on the source, so the numbers should be used as a general guide. One thing everyone agrees on is that there is a certain amount of Essential Fat which is essential for body functions such as regulating temperature, protecting body organs, and providing needed energy for the body. Essential Fat percentages also vary depending on gender (male vs. female), with women requiring a much higher level of essential fat than men. Although not a problem for most, it is very important that any weight loss goals do not involve dropping below the person's essential fat or required fat percentage. |